Tracy McKenzie, 40, of Rhyddings Street, Oswaldtwistle, previously denied child neglect but admitted the charge during the second day of a trial at Burnley Crown Court.

McKenzie has been bailed and will be sentenced at a later date. The charge relates to injuries to a child including a fractured skull, spine, ribs and a brain haemorrhage, prosecutors confirmed. The prosecution will not pursue a second charge against her.

McKenzie’s co-defendant and father of the two children, Scott Colman, 30, of New Lane, Oswaldtwistle, denies two counts of child neglect and will be tried at Burnley Crown Court on November 3.

Discharging the jury from their duties, Judge Andrew Woolman said the late plea of guilty of Tracy McKenzie changed the whole shape of the case.

He said: “The result is that the defence made an application to adjourn the trial. I’m going to discharge all of you from giving a verdict in relation to Scott Colman and the trial will have to start again.

“So I will discharge you from giving verdicts on counts one and two in relation to Mr Colman.”